Buzz Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights for NRL 2019 round four
Surprising decision from Brisbane, wonder tackles, golden point heroics and more — check out Buzz Rothfield’s round four highlights and lowlights from a big weekend in sport.
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Check out the highlights, lowlights and talking points from another memorable weekend in sport.
BRONCOS’ BAFFLING ROBERTS STANCE
Brisbane’s decision not to punish wayward centre James Roberts for getting plastered on a boozy night out after the recent Friday night loss to St George Illawarra is both soft and surprising.
What does it say to their members, their fans, sponsors and Roberts’ teammates?
Here is a club struggling under a new coach with just one win from four starts.
Their NSW Origin centre is supposed to be professionally treating an Achilles injury. He gets blind drunk and photos of his being carried out of a party go viral on social media.
This is a player with a long history of drug and alcohol abuse at four different clubs. Yet the Broncos do nothing about it. The next player facing disciplinary action will simply say: “But you let James Roberts off.” And that is not good for the club culture.
HURDLE FOR HOLMES’ NFL BID
Valentine Holmes’ bid to make it in the NFL has struck a last minute hurdle following the collapse of an NFL second division competition in the United States.
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was like a NSW Cup competition.
Last Friday the AAF was shut down for financial and officials announced players were free to sign with NFL franchises.
This mean Holmes faces much stiffer competition to get a full-time contract.
The North Queensland Cowboys have been monitoring the situation closely. They’ll get him if they can reach a financial agreement with the Sharks.
HOW TO FIX BOYD’S BENNETT BLUES?
Broncos skipper Darius Boyd looks like he’s desperately missing Wayne Bennett, who was like his father figure.
This is not a criticism of Anthony Seibold but an observation on Boyd’s form from the opening four rounds of the competition. Bennett was like his second father.
Boyd, 31, is under contract until the end of 2021. He has twice allowed tries this year from falling for dummies. It is the oldest rule in the game to take the man with the ball.
On Thursday night it was his lack of effort when Angus Crichton scored for the Roosters. Two Broncos players were struggling to hold Crichton on the line but Boyd just stood and watched.
It was hardly the inspirational type of leadership that Seibold desperately wants
HIGHLIGHT
Three golden-point thrillers and the incredible skill of State of Origin halfbacks Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary to land magnificent field goals at Brookie and Penrith. Both with the backdrop of fabulous suburban-ground atmosphere. Corey Norman added to the round’s golden-point heroics after kicking the winner for the second straight week on Sunday night.
LOWLIGHT
Even if you’re not a Manly Sea Eagles fan, there’s nothing worse than seeing fullback Tom Trbojevic limp off Brookvale Oval on Saturday afternoon with another hamstring injury.
TOO EARLY FOR GF TICKETS? NO WAY!
The first lot of NRL grand final tickets go on sale today and there are some fantastic bargains for club members. Prices are as little as $60 for a single ticket or $170 for a family. Tickets will be available through Ticketek and nrl.com/tickets.
JUST THE TICKET
There will be no excuses for rugby league fans not turning up to the magnificent new Bankwest Stadium. The government is about to announce free trains and buses for all ticketholders for Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers games.
SHOOSH
Which NRL club is facing considerable financial difficulties — and it’s not the usual suspects Manly, the Sharks or Wests Tigers. This club lost more than $5 million last year and have huge debts.
TACKLES THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE
Watching great tackles is as good as watching great tries. There were three over the weekend that were extra special – old Robbie cutting down Billy Kikau, old school around the ankles. Marty Taupau’s sensational try-saver on Cameron Murray and Andrew Fifita’s on Junior Paulo.
LOOKING AHEAD
Catch you tonight on NRL 360 with Yvonne Sampson and Paul Kent to discuss the biggest issues from round four of the competition. Struggling Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan is the special guest.
Originally published as Buzz Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights for NRL 2019 round four
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